Stirling University closed the gap on the league leaders Spartans with a decent day’s work in Dumfries and Galloway, writes Tom Hardman.

The students recovered from falling a goal behind to pick up their tenth Lowland League win and move within three points of top spot with six games left to play.

It was in effect Stirling’s game in hand on Spartans, but the points were far from in the bag when Scott Wilby put Threave ahead after just four minutes.

Stirling soon bounced back, Chris Geddes netting his eighth league goal from the penalty spot with 18 minutes played.

Despite plenty of purpose and attacking intent from the Stirling students, the scores remained level until the 75th minute when Ryan Millar (Pictured) struck Stirling’s second.

Four minutes later and Owen Donaghue-Kelly added his name to the scoresheet to give Stirling a two-goal cushion. And just before the final whistle, Geddes added his second and Stirling’s fourth.

Stirling’s Second XI enjoyed an impressive 2-1 home victory over Craigroyston to leapfrog them into second spot in the East of Scotland Premier Division.

Goals from Elliot Sutcliffe (Main Pic) and Steven Forbes leave the students three points behind leaders Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale who have a game in hand, but Stirling are still to face Lothian home and away in their final two fixtures in April.

It was a hat-trick of Stirling student successes on Saturday as the Third XI won 4-2 at home to Loganlea United and now sit fourth in the Stirling and District Premier Division, two points behind Bonnybridge YFP, who have three games in hand.

On Saturday (29 March), the First XI are at home to Whitehill Welfare, kick-off 3pm at Forthbank Stadium. The Second XI host Leith Athletic at the University campus, kick-off 2.30pm and the Third XI are also at home, against leaders Bonnybridge YFP, kick-off 2pm.

Before then, the students travel to Surrey to face Loughborough University in the British Universities Championship Final tonight (Wed).

Stirling University First XI: Marshall, Cuff, Nixon, Sutherland, Sheridan, Jones (Donaghue-Kelly), Faulds, Leigh, McKee (Williams-Mitchell), Millar, Geddes Unused subs: Sludden, Hughes and Nichol.

Stirling University Second XI: Fifer, Monguel, Parish, Glendinning, Jacobs, May, Crooks, Smith, Reid, Stout (Forbes) Sutcliffe Unused subs: Polvara, Wilson.